Ministry of Justice Human Rigths and Correctional Service Website.
The Mission Statement:
The Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Correctional Service is charged with the dispensation and administration of Justice, Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and the Rehabilitation of offenders.
In fulfilling its mandate, the Ministry encompases efficient delivery of Justice and accessibility thereto through improved and effective use of Correctional Resources and provision of skills; ensuring a culture of zero tolerance to corruption and that Human Rights are of power , children, the vulnerable, people with disabilities and those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
Justice in Lesotho
- In 1995 the Cabinet of the Government of Lesotho issued a decision (CAB/DEC/11) to establish a Human Rights Unit and create a national human rights institution, such as a Human Rights Commission.
- The constitution provides for an independent judicial system. The judiciary is made up of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, Magistrate's Courts, and traditional courts that exist predominately in rural areas.
- The purpose of LCS is to contribute to the maintanance and protection of a society that is just, peaceful and safe. It does this by:- Carrying out the sentences of the courts. Detaining all inmates in safe and secure custody whilst retaining their human dignity.Promoting self-respect, social responsibility and human development of all inmates. Ensuring reformation, rehabilitation and social reintergration of inmates into society.
- It can be possible to access case Judgments held in the Court of Appeal from the year 2000 to 2009. Case Judgments held in High Court of Lesotho from 1980 to 2009. Thanks to South African Legal Information Institute (SAFLII) for making this Valuable tool possible.
Lesotho Judiciary
The constitution provides for an independent judicial system. The judiciary is made up of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, Magistrate's Courts, and traditional courts that exist predominately in rural areas. All but one of the Justices on the Court of Appeal are South African jurists.
There is no trial by jury; rather, judges make rulings alone, or, in the case of criminal trials, with two other judges as observers. The constitution also protects basic civil liberties, including freedom of speech, association, and the press; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of religion.
The legal system is based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law with judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal. Lesotho has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.